This site is a sort of museum in cyberspace full of odds and ends about life in Budleigh Salterton.
It celebrates among other things the connection between our corner of East Devon - birthplace of both Sir Walter Raleigh and Roger Conant, founder of Salem, Massachusetts - and the United States of America.
The site was inspired by the friendship link established in 2001 with the Cape Cod community of Brewster.

Thursday, 19 July 2012

East Devon Heath Week

Above right: The silver-studded blue
butterfly (Plebeius argus) is one of
the wildlifejewels of East
Devon heathland.Photo
credit: Olaf Leillinger

Bats at Bystock, Dartford Warblers, Reptile
Rambles... They're all part of East Devon Heath Week along with many other
attractions in an annual series of events that aim to celebrate the fantastic
heathland landscape of the region.

Above: Woodbury Common's heathland, a
peaceful haven for wildlife

Each year the Heath Week takes place at the end of July, when Woodbury
Common and its wildlife are at their best.

Not a snake but a harmless and beautiful sloe worm

Photo credit: Devon Clinton
EstatesHeath Week offers a unique opportunity to take part in a wide range of
activities ranging from the active to the relaxed and the light-hearted to the
serious. The fun starts on Sunday 29 July 11.00 am at WoodburyCastle.Download the East Devon Heath Week events
leaflet for more information about what's on offer.

A Dartford warbler

Photo credit: Peter Beesley

There are specific events which will
concentrate on different species that make lowland heath their home. Particular
favourites are bat walks, pond dipping days and reptile hunts. One of the stars
of the show is the rare Dartford warbler,
shown above.

East Devon Heath Week is organised by the RSPB, Pebblebed Heaths
Conservation Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, East Devon District Council, Devon
County Council and the East Devon Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty.Click on East Devon Heath Week events
leaflet to find out more

About Me

Born in 1946, in Birmingham UK, of Scottish-Irish parentage, and brought up as a Roman Catholic. Early education may have driven me into teaching, in the belief that schools should offer a more enjoyable experience for children. Studied French at London University, specialising in 16th century literature. Then came 34 years of teaching French, along with red herrings and common sense, at Oundle School, Northamptonshire. Published articles in Etudes Rabelaisiennes, (a long time ago), and a couple of books - one big 'Oundle's War' (1995) - and one small 'The Scientist in The Cottage' (2013) - a biography of Henry Carter FRS (1813-95). Dabbles, and some people say meddles, in many areas. A passionate gardener, moved to Devon partly to grow ericaceous plants more easily. Other interests include family, cycling, walking, photography, reading, music, studying butterflies, chopping wood, DIY, playing on the scaffold tower, and networking for the Greater Good. Married to Anthea for over 40 years. Three children: Emily, Simeon and Rosanna, three granddaughters and two Bengal cats. Like an increasing number of my friends of my generation, I'm a cancer survivor – I hope!